For your consideration is a very early Civil War era Sharps New Model 1863 .52 Caliber Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine, serial number C,25227. One of the most popular and successful of the cavalry carbines was the Sharps breech loader. Capable of firing a grooved bullet in a combustible black powder loaded paper cartridge with automatic paper cap or single loaded with lead slug with loose powder behind and ignited by a percussion cap, the Sharps gained a rapid reputation as a reliable, accurate, powerful and fast firing weapon. Troops armed with single shot muzzle loading muskets were no match for the new breech loaders designed by Christian Sharps. After the Civil War many of these battle proven weapons went with their original owners to the western frontier where they were used for general self-protection, big game, and buffalo hunting. Most of the New Model Sharps rifles and carbines were later converted to fire the standard .50-70 metallic cartridge and reissued for Indian War use. This example shows Civil War usage yet remains in a remarkable state of preservation overall. The round 22” barrel retains the original blue and shows a naturally thinning finish with a desirable plum patina. The barrel is fitted with its original “R. S. LAWRENCE, PATENTED FEB. 15TH, 1859” marked ladder rear sight with slide intact. It also retains the correct marking “C. SHARPS PATENT” over “SEPT. 12TH, 1848” on the left side of the receiver. The left side barrel flat just ahead of the receiver also retains the sharp “E.A.W.” tiny inspector stamping. The lock plate on the right side of the receiver retains a Lawrence 1859 patent markings plus the C. Sharps 1852 patent markings. This wonderful condition carbine displays a lovely mottled gray/brown patina on the receiver and even retains traces of original case color under the hammer and in the most protected areas. All metal parts show that they have never been cleaned or restored. The forend and butt stock show only light wear and retain a tight wood to metal fit. The sling bar is intact. Some screws and the rotating breech block removal pin on the right side of the receiver still retain some fire blue. The stock is also highly decorated in brass tacks. The left side of the stock features a circular tack pattern and the right shows a detailed diamond pattern. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.